Honduran Students Lead in Central American Enrollment in American Universities

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2016, the United States reached the highest number of international students in its colleges and universities, surpassing over one million. A particular subgroup of that million is composed of Honduran students, whose enrollment in U.S. higher education has increased 12.8%, according to the 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, published last week.

This recent rise in Honduran scholars in American higher-education shows how both countries are seeking to further globalize its populations while investing in future generations. According to the Open Doors Report, almost 2000 Honduran students are currently studying in the United States, more than any other Central American country.

As a part of current Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez's plan to further develop the country, he has prioritized bilingual education for students across Honduras. Today, Honduras is the most bilingual country in Central America.

The increase of bilingual citizens allows them to better integrate into new environments, most notably into American universities. By bringing together people from such different cultural backgrounds, it engenders a deeper exchange of ideas, conversation, and perspectives—three key aspects to a flourishing university environment.

"I am so proud of the future of Honduras; to know that our students are among the highest numbers studying abroad, means that they are enriching themselves to ultimately come back and enrich our country. These types of exchanges benefit all of the actors involved, including the students, professors, governments, and universities," says Hilda Hernández, Minister of Communications and Strategy for Honduras.

These types of exchanges encourage growth for both Hondurans and Americans, on a variety of levels. It adds a more personal face to the country's name, while also opening the door for greater institutional integration between Central and North American political and business leaders. Locally, the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa has started to reflect larger initiatives pushed by the US government that highlight numerous partnerships being developed with local universities, NGOs, and academic organizations throughout Tegucigalpa.

Overall, the increase in Honduran students in U.S. higher-education projects a positive future for this Central American gem. It instills a global perspective into developing minds, thus creating a strong foundation for the future of both countries. Now, people will look to embrace cultural exchange, while learning to embody and share the positive aspects of their patria.